"We really do need some cultural change and I live in hope that that's going to happen," he said.

Senator Johnston has told ABC Local Radio Claire and other victims of abuse in the ADF deserve an apology.

"I am at a loss to see and understand what we can do for these people, but I think we can do a lot more than just write them a cheque," he said.

"I think we need to sit down with them, we need to pay for some counselling and or some psychiatric assistance, and let them know that we actually regret what has happened, are sorry for it, and want to give them some support."